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The object of this study are hillslopes of the Vis island. The slopes can be defined as relief surfaces determined by geographical position, slope inclination (related with horizontal surface) and slope aspect. Recent slope shapes can be defined as result of series of natural and anthropogenic factors during relief genesis and evolution. It is possible to correlate slope characteristics with geological structure and other natural geographic features (climate, soils, vegetation etc.) using geomorphometrical analysis. The main aims of this study are: a) analysis of morphometrical relief indicators (hypsometry, slope inclination and slope aspect), b) analysis of relationships between morphometrical indicators, and c) analysis of relatioships between morphometrical parameters, structural and lithological features, in order to gain more detailed understanding of exogeomorphological and morphostructural features of the investigated area. The final intention is to assess extent and intensity of dominant geomorphological processes. Special attention was given to detailed geomorphometrical analysis of morphostructures of Vis island in GIS environment based on DMR. Applied geomorphometrical relief analysis included use of different methods for precise calculation of numerical relief parameters of investigated area, which enabled mutual comparison of specified parameters and comparison with maps of tectonic units and lithology. The aim of this approach is more exact analysis and interpretation of morphometrical relief parameters as indicators of characteristics of endogenous and exogenous processes in the investigated area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by several Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Byssachlamys species growing on food products. In this study, we investigated the effects of patulin on the thymus of growing male rats aged five to six weeks. The rats were receiving it orally at a dose of 0.1 mg kg-1 bw a day for either 60 or 90 days. At the end of the experiment, the thymus was examined for histopathology by light microscopy and for epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) by immunolocalisation. For morphometry we used the Bs200prop program to analyse images obtained with the Olympus BX51 light microscope. Cell ultrastructure was studied by electron microscopy. In rats treated with patulin, the thymus showed haemorrhage, plasma cell hyperplasia, a dilation and fibrosis in the cortex, enlarged interstitial tissue between the thymic lobules, enlarged fat tissue, thinning of the cortex, and blurring of the cortico-medullary demarcation. Electron microscopy showed signs of cell destruction, abnormalities of the nucleus and organelles, and loss of mitochondrial cristae. However, no differences were observed in thymus EGF and EGFR immunoreactivity between treated and control rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biokovo Mt is part of the Outer Dinarides, in a coastal position with a NW-SE main tectonic orientation. The highest peak called Sveti [Sv.] Jure (1762 m) towers above a karst plateau of 1300-1400 m mean elevation. Both of the long margins of Biokovo are characterized by steep and high relief energy rockwalls formed along tectonic fault lines. The plateau is intensely karstified with diverse karren forms, large dolines and several shaft caves. Its unique karstmorphological features are the relatively deep dolines with steep walls, so the landscape is characterized mainly by the sharp interdoline ridges and pyramidal peaks instead of negative doline forms. Based on the previous observation, the Biokovo plateau can be considered a "polygonal karst". The geomorphological map of a study area from this plateau has been elaborated, based on field observations and topographical maps. After digitizing the contour lines, we have created the digital elevation model (DEM) of the study area and carried out sophisticated doline-morphometrical analysis using the DEM. The most important and unique feature of the landscape, the polygonal structure, has been derived from the DEM using GIS hydrologic modelling tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]